Get free photo ID for voting (Voter Authority Certificate)
The UK has no national ID card. If you have no accepted photo ID to vote in England, Scotland or Wales, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Cost: Free
What you need
- Be registered to vote
- A digital photo of yourself
- Your National Insurance number, or other documents such as a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill
Step by step
- Check you are registered to vote, and register first if not
- Take a digital photo with a plain, light background
- Apply online on GOV.UK (or post the paper form to your electoral registration office)
- Give your National Insurance number or, if you do not have one, other identity documents
- Receive your certificate and take it to the polling station
Where to apply
GOV.UK: apply for a Voter Authority Certificate · gov.uk
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- Also apply if you no longer look like your ID photo or your ID name differs from the electoral register.
- Northern Ireland has different rules: there it is the Electoral Identity Card.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: gov.uk. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.